Current Water Conditions in Massachusetts January 11, 2008

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Chad Heath
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Current Water Conditions in Massachusetts January 11, 2008 December precipitation was above normal December streamflows were below normal and normal December ground-water levels were below normal and

Conservation and Recreation and National Weather Service precipitation monitoring networks is attached. The statewide average precipitation for December 2007 is estimated as 5.

1 Current Water Conditions in Massachusetts January 11, 2008 December precipitation was above normal December streamflows were below normal and normal December ground-water levels were below normal and normal Reservoir levels are generally below normal and normal Precipitation Conditions A table of December 2007 estimated precipitation statistics, based on precipitation data from the Department of Conservation and Recreation and National Weather Service precipitation monitoring networks is attached. The statewide average precipitation for December 2007 is estimated as 5.07 inches, about 131 percent of normal. The regions of Massachusetts received between 141 percent (Northeast) and 115 percent (Cape Cod and Islands) of normal precipitation during December. Multiple rain and snow events during the month contributed to above normal precipitation throughout Massachusetts. December had near record snowfall. A map at the back of this report shows the distribution of December total rainfall in New England. Early January has been warmer than normal with only minor precipitation event to date. The warm weather is resulting in some snow melt runoff. A Drought Advisory for the Connecticut River, Central, Northeast, and Southeast Regions of Massachusetts remains in affect. The Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force is scheduled to meet again on January 17 th to re-evaluate hydrologic conditions in Massachusetts. Ground Water Levels Ground-water levels reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) at the end of December 2007 were generally below normal (pink area on map) in a major portion of the State. Levels were normal (white areas on map) on the Cape Cod, Marthas Vinyard and southeastern Massachusetts. Record monthly lows for the end of December were measured in 5 wells in MA. The USGS ground water level map and a Water Conditions Statement for the end of December 2007 can be viewed at the web site:

Stream Flow During December stream flows in the State that are monitored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) were generally below normal

Flows were also normal in the Weymouth, Back, and North River Basins in eastern Massachusetts.

The graph is a composite of 47 gages across the state with a long period of record.

Since then and into early January stream flows have remained slightly above or near normal.

2 Stream Flow During December stream flows in the State that are monitored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) were generally below normal (red area) in most of Massachusetts. Stream flows were normal (areas in white) in river basins in western and northwestern Massachusetts. Flows were also normal in the Weymouth, Back, and North River Basins in eastern Massachusetts. The graph below depicts a composite streamflow relative to normal streamflow for Massachusetts as of January 9, The graph is a composite of 47 gages across the state with a long period of record. Below normal streamflow during most of December rose to slightly above normal in response to precipitation events after December 22. Since then and into early January stream flows have remained slightly above or near normal. Snow melt during the last several days has resulted in a slight rise in streamflow. Additional information on streamflow is available from the USGS web page: KEY: 1 = New record low for day 2 = < 10 th percentile 3 = 10 th 24 th percentile 4 = 25 th 74 th percentile 5 = 75 th 89 th percentile 6 = 90 th percentile 7 = New record high for day 2

Water Supply Reservoir Levels Surface water reservoir percent full values for water supply sources provided by water suppliers are listed below.

3 Water Supply Reservoir Levels Surface water reservoir percent full values for water supply sources provided by water suppliers are listed below. With the exception of Quabbin Reservoir the reservoir levels listed are reported to be below normal for this time of year. December 2007 /January 2008 Massachusetts Reservoir Status Reservoir/City or Town Percent Full Reservoir/City or Town Percent Full Quabbin 87 Beverly/Salem 70.2 Worcester 59 Lynn 50.9 Cobble Mt./ Springfield 73 Taunton/New Bedford/Assawompsett 88.4 Note: N.A. Indicates data not available for this report Fire Danger During December the cold weather, rain/snow events, and snow cover have resulted in a low fire danger. Drought Indices/Forecasts The National Drought Mitigation Center s (NDMC s) January 8, 2008 Drought Monitor Map of Massachusetts shown at right indicates that about 16 percent of the south-central part of the State is abnormally dry. Standardized Precipitation Index: The Western Regional Climate Center s (Desert Research Institute, University and Community College System of Nevada) 1, 3, 6, and 12-Month Standardized Precipitation Index through the end of December shows moderately wet, moderately wet/normal, normal, and moderately wet/normal conditions respectively, across Massachusetts. NWS/NOAA s Climate Prediction Center: The U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook dated January 3, 2008 shows normal conditions through March Extended Forecasts A generalized period of rain on Friday is forecast to bring up to 1.25 inches of rain to parts of the State. There is a possibility of a coastal storm affecting the region early next week and a period of rain or snow showers mid week. The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center s extended forecasts predicts normal temperatures for the next 3 months. Normal rainfall is forecast for the 6-10 day period. The 8 to 14-day forecast indicates below normal rain, the 1-month forecast indicates normal rainfall, and the 3-month forecast indicates below normal rainfall. 3

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/rfcshare/precip_analysis_new.

4 TOTAL RAINFALL DECEMBER 2007 This report was prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Data were obtained from the sources described in the report and December may be preliminary in nature. Additional information, previous and future water conditions reports can be found on our web site: 4

5 Six Month Rainfall Deficiency in Massachusetts, January 3,

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